In fact, nine out of ten adults experience back pain in some degree at least one point in their lives. Back pain can stem out from a number of different causes, ranging from improper body mechanics to medical conditions like herniated discs and spondylolysis.
While most back pain problems spontaneously resolve within a few weeks, it is still important for a person suffering from back pain to know about these causes so as to aid in the immediate and effective treatment of back pain, as well as cure its underlying causes.
One of the leading causes of back pain is the presence of a herniated disc, also known as a ruptured intervertebral disc. Remember that there is a sort of ‘cushion’ that lies in between every bone in the spinal vertebra known as the spinal disc. Disc herniation occurs when the spinal disc protrudes outside its normal position, hence pinching the spinal cord and the nerves surrounding it. Back pain results because of this. This problem more often occurs in older people since their spinal discs are more rigid as compared to those of younger people.
Degenerative disc disease is another common source of back pain for individuals. It is not exactly a disease since this is something that naturally happens as one ages. Degenerative disc disease happens because of the loss of flexibility of the spinal discs. It can also lead to other problems such as disc herniation, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis, conditions that put pressure on the spinal cord, thus leading to pain. The most common areas affected by back pain associated with degenerative disc disease are the neck and lower back regions.
Muscle strains can also cause back pain. The lumbar or lower back area is the most affected region when it comes to muscle strains. In this condition, the fibers of the muscles are stretched inconsiderably, and this can lead to a muscle sprain, in which the ligaments become torn. This can have some serious consequences, such as loss of bladder or bowel function, severe pain that does not go away, and weakness of the lower extremities.
One can also develop back pain if he has spondylolysis, also known as a stress fracture in the bone. This is a condition in which the vertebra loses its stability; hence a slipping of the vertebra can result. In turn, this slipping of the vertebra is known as spondylolisthesis. The lumbar region specifically the 5th lumbar vertebra, is the most common area that is affected by both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. These conditions usually affect adolescents who engage too much in sports, such as tennis, gymnastics, and martial arts. Of course, it is not advisable to stop these exercises in order to cure back pain, but it is important not to overdo one’s routines so as to avoid having stress fractures from developing.
Among the aging population, spinal stenosis seems to be another common cause of back pain. In this condition, the space surrounding the spinal cord or the spinal nerves becomes narrowed, thus compressing the nerves and causing back pain. This is common among the elderly because of other disease conditions, like arthritis for instance, that cause the narrowing of the spinal canal.
Of course, who could forget osteoporosis, which is common among the elderly as well? In osteoporosis, the bones generally become weaker and more brittle. Because of this, people with osteoporosis are more prone to develop fractures than those who have stronger bones. The back pain associated with osteoporosis usually coming from compression fractures that put stress on the spinal cord and the spinal nerves.
There is no single way to totally cure back pain since it is caused by different conditions, as mentioned above. However, you can do something decrease the likelihood of you developing back pain later in life. Having a regular exercise regimen is one way to keep one’s bones strong. Proper body mechanics while lifting objects can also prevent muscle strains on your back. A calcium-rich diet is also needed, plus drinking plenty of water can keep your intervertebral discs healthy. These are just a few of the many ways in which you can relieve back pain.
For more information see:
The Bad Back Guy!
Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com
